Mariners Youth kick-start preparations on a high

The Central Coast Mariners National Youth League side has kicked off its preparations for the 2010/11 season in the perfect fashion, with a 4-0 win over a resilient and well organised Riverina Under 23 select team at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney’s North West overnight.

The Central Coast Mariners National Youth League side has kicked off its preparations for the 2010/11 season in the perfect fashion, with a 4-0 win over a resilient and well organised Riverina Under 23 select team at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney-s North West overnight.

The Mariners settled well with former Sydney FC Youth captain Sam Munro calling the shots in midfield and Brendan Griffin, in his second season with the Yellow and Navy, in good touch and showing a fine range of passing.

Full backs Marc Warren and Nikola Stanojevic were a constant threat down the flanks and the best move of the opening 45 minutes ended with Bernie Ibini-Isei heading against the cross-bar after a Griffin diagonal ball sent Stanojevic on the overlap to deliver a great cross.

But it was Marc Warren, a member of Graham Arnold-s Hyundai A-League squad, who broke the deadlock with a stunning 30-metre strike to send the Mariners into the break with a slender one goal lead.

Only Max Glanville and Mitchell Duke were unavailable for the Tony Walmsley-s side due to upcoming State League finals matches, but everyone else played a minimum 45 minutes.

In the second half the Mariners gave starts to David Bradasevic, Alex Mansueto, Nathan Jagelman and Jimmy Oates, the latter pair notching a goal each on debut.

Mitchell Mallia capped a fine second half display on the wing with a goal and was a constant threat with his pace and skill, as the young Mariners rounded off an impressive display with a 4-nil victory.

"I was happy with the intention of the players tonight," said Mariners NYL Head Coach Tony Walmsley.

"No-one put themselves out of the frame for selection (for the opening round match against Gold Coast United) on September 18, and there were no injuries so it was positive.

"We showed a decent amount of composure and applied a different tactical approach in each half. We missed some good chances but no complaints, as there were some very good performances," Walmsley said.